Anzac Day audition for Foran against Storm

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Next week's traditional Anzac Day showdown between the Melbourne Storm and Warriors sets the stage for a potential audition for off-contract prospect Kieran Foran.

Having been on the winning side in his first two appearances at his new club, Foran has provided much-needed structure to the typically ad lib style of the Warriors and sparked speculation over where the Kiwis star will end up in 2018.

Foran is reportedly yearning to move closer to his family in Sydney and the Storm are just one of several clubs being touted as a potential destination in replacing the departing Cooper Cronk.

"If he wants to have a tour I'm sure the club will show him around and everyone will welcome him next year if he does come," Cameron Munster answered when asked of suggestions that Melbourne is on Foran's watch-list.

"That's all talk at the moment and we need to focus on the game next week against them.

"I'm not thinking about it much, it's all up in the air and rumours.

"Foran's a really good player and similar to Coops (Cronk) structure-wise.

"I don't know what's going to happen next year but saying that all we can do is worry about this year and finish on a good note."

‌In front of a packed crowd at AAMI Park on an emotional Anzac Day clash, there's no doubt Foran's halves combination with fellow superstar Shaun Johnson will be a focal point of the Storm's preparation.

However, after rebounding from an 11-2 loss against the Sharks to beat the Manly Sea Eagles 30-26 on Saturday, Melbourne are focused on improving their renowned defence following a patchy performance.

For the defensively-proud Storm it was the second time in the past two years they have surrendered 26 points – it's also just the third instance they've leaked more than 20 points in further testament to their defensive resilience.

Much was made of their league-worst error rate going into last week's match, and while they addressed their ball-handling issues to complete 31 of their 34 sets perhaps their defensive efforts were compromised by the emphasis on their offence.

"Our mindset was to score as many points as we could and we probably allowed more points scored against us with our focus in attack," Munster said.

"Saying that, we do a lot of defence during the week and there should be no drama – we shouldn't be letting teams score 26 points against us.

"We need to improve on our attack but we need to find a balance in attack and defence now.

"We'll be working on it for the next few days."

Last week was Munster's first match since returning from a fractured jaw, and once again he has been named on the interchange.

While he was physically tested by Manly, Munster stood up to the challenge and the crafty utility provides Bellamy with another valuable weapon in his arsenal.

The five-eighth has admirably filled in for club legend Billy Slater at fullback but hopes that they can build another lethal combination for the Storm going ahead now they are both healthy.

"I've played two games with Bill and both times he got injured and I got injured – it's not a good record," Munster said.

"It was good to get out there and play with him. He's one of the best players in this generation. Hopefully, we've got many more to come."

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